Forgings major Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL) has begun trial production of forgings in titanium and specialty steels for application in the aerospace industry.

“We are seeing a lot of traction in this segment, and we are trying to build capacity to service aerospace customers,” Mr Amit Kalyani, Executive Director, BFL, said.

Speaking after the company’s AGM here, Mr Subodh Tandale, Executive Director, said it has made long-term strategic alliances with titanium manufacturer to provide raw material and technology for these forgings.

“Products are being identified and we will begin trial production for some aircraft manufacturers,” he said, adding that this was being done at the existing facilities since the sector required heavy investments and approvals usually took two to five years.

Earlier, elaborating on the company’s future strategy, Mr Kalyani said the focus would be on adding value to products, intensifying exports and leveraging existing assets and capabilities.

On the domestic front, BFL would focus on the passenger car and light commercial vehicle segment, he said.

On the export front, the ageing truck fleet in the US augured well for Bharat Forge, he said, and added that the company also plans to increase market penetration and enter new geographies.

Currently, the non-auto business accounts for around 38 per cent of total sales. “This was the target for 2012. Going forward, we are targeting over 50 per cent to come from the non-auto business,” Mr Kalyani said.

BFL also plans to set up a new plant in Indore that will service auto manufacturers around the region. “We will set up a plant there and make certain products that are not being made here,” Mr Kalyani said, adding that the plan and the product portfolio will be crystallised over the next 18 months.

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